Food Service Worker in Linville, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-time | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Food Service Worker at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in supporting patient care by ensuring every meal is safe, nutritious, and delivered with care. You’ll join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values service, teamwork, and community.

This is an opportunity to make a difference for patients, visitors, and staff while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation: Starting at $16.00 /hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-time; Shifts Vary, including weekends and holidays

Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You’ll Do as a Food Service Worker

• Assemble, prepare, and deliver timely meals to patients, visitors, and staff
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in kitchen, prep, and dining areas
• Follow proper food handling techniques and safety protocols
• Provide friendly, efficient customer service in every interaction
• Assist with dishwashing, sanitation, and general cleanup duties
• Support kitchen operations while adhering to UNC Health Appalachian quality and safety standards

Qualifications/Licenses

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Prior experience in a food service or healthcare setting

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and procedures
• Excellent customer service and teamwork skills
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer literacy (Word, Excel, and nutrition software)
• Willingness to assist with dishwashing and sanitation as needed

Physical & Work Environment

• Lifts, pushes, pulls, or transfers up to and over 50 lbs
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout shifts
• Exposure to hot surfaces, cleaning agents, and hospital environment risks
• Variable schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Access ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and the opportunity to grow through our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful Work: Your role directly supports patient care and safety in our hospitals and clinics.
• Community & Lifestyle: Located in Boone, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to hiking, skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and a workplace where every team member is respected and valued.

Ready to make a difference in a role that truly serves others? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Food Service Worker and help make life better for the patients, families, and community we proudly serve.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.